Why Does Louisiana Democracy Project Care About Environmental
Justice
Louisiana is a state rich
with natural resources. These resources are turned into products which multi-national
corporations sell all over the world.
Segments of the Louisiana
population receive a disproportionately high number of toxins and industrial pollutants while receiving very little benefit. These Louisiana citizens have special health and quality of life concerns brought
on by living so close to these facilities. They are usually poor and unlike their
multi-billion dollar neighbors they trouble having their voices heard at the
decision making tables that deeply effect their lives.
While their health, land, air and water are being polluted, big dollars are drowning out their voices for fairness
and humanity. The high cost of campaigning makes it virtually impossible for
them to elect enough members of the legislature and congress to change their condition.
All of the stockholders of these large corporations live well away from their facilities however most contribute substantially
to the candidates of their choice in the state of Louisiana legislature and in the United States Congress.
The plight of environmental justice victims is one of access to the democratic system.
By Stephanie Anthony, president and founding executive
director of Louisiana Democracy Project, Inc. August 8, 1998
